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12 Feb 2012 |
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Now into its 5th year, the NZ Woodwind Competitions continue to go from strength to strength. We would like to welcome as in the past entrants from all over NZ as well as Australia. I am looking forward to catching up with past participants meeting new ones and hearing you all once again showcasing your amazing talents! There have been a few changes to past years: •This year, Westlake Girls Music Department is very generously providing their wonderful facilities to host the event. •We continue to have the Individual Category Classes but we have combined the Primary and Intermediate Classes and are now no longer offering the Post Graduate Class. •Flute Focus is sponsoring 1st,2nd & 3rd cash prizes for each class, totalling $6,125, and SOUNZ are providing prizes for the Best Performance of a NZ Work. •The North Shore Youth Orchestra is continuing to provide a Concerto opportunity for the Primary/Intermediate Class 1st Place winner, and we are still negotiating a Concerto opportunity for the Secondary Class - so watch this space….. •Another innovation - we have introduced the Duet Category (any combination of woodwinds) in each Class in which competitors will have the opportunity to win Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards. We hope that many of you will consider getting together with a friend and have some fun performing some of your favourite pieces! •David Hamilton once again has been commissioned by Flute Focus and sponsored by Westlake Girls High School to compose a piece especially for the Competitions, this year titled Cross Winds. This new piece is for massed woodwinds and we will perform the World Premiere at the Prize Giving Concert. Cross Winds caters for all levels and abilities and we hope that all competitors will participate My sincere thanks to the many supporters of the 2012 Competitions, who together make it possible to present this amazing opportunity fostering the art of performing on Woodwinds All the best with your preparations, please spread the word to others, and put the dates 14-16 September in your diaries. And especially please don’t forget to read the rules so you are fully informed of all the requirements and conditions so you get the most out of your Competitions! Please note: All information, including timetables and all updates, will be exclusively posted and available for download on the Flute Focus website. We suggest you subscribe to our Twitter feed to ensure you know when these details and updates are posted. As well as that option, if you would like to be kept up to date personally on any developments and postings then please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I will add you to our mail list. Likewise, if you have competed in the past and wish to be kept informed of this year's event then please drop me an email to ensure that we have your correct email on file. My sincere thanks to all those who have been instrumental in helping make the NZ Woodwind Competitions the great success they have been over the past years and to those whose support have made it possible to continue this worthwhile event. This year our generous supporters are: •SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music •New Zealand Music Examinations Board •Botany Downs Secondary College •Westlake Girls High School Music Department •Gordon Palmer - Woodwind Repair Specialist
Here's to another stunning event! Mary O'Brien Competition Organizer Mobile: +64 27 676 8741
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Mary O’Brien is a flute teacher based on the North Shore in Auckland, New Zealand. She plays 2nd flute and piccolo with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and is a past president of the Auckland Flute Society and the New Zealand Flute Society. She is the Editor in chief and the driving force behind Flute Focus.